Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today marched in the 27th Annual Three Kings Day Parade in East Harlem and hosted a reception this evening at Gracie Mansion to celebrate the Epiphany, or La Fiesta De Los Tres Reyes Magos. The holiday, popular throughout the Caribbean, Latin America, and parts of Europe, honors the arrival of the three wise kings from separate lands bearing gifts to the baby Jesus.

Although the Western Christian Church observes December 25th as Christ’s birthday, the Eastern Christian Church recognizes January 6th as the celebration of the nativity. Families who celebrate Three Kings Day instruct their children that if they are good, the three kings will bring them gifts overnight. The Latino community continues to celebrate their traditional holiday, as well as Christmas the American way.

“I am honored to be here today to take part in the celebración del Día de los Tres Reyes Magos,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “It is my third year marching in this beautiful parade that enriches our City and celebrates the spirit of the holiday. It is a wonderful tradition of the New York City Latino community.”

Mayor Bloomberg marched alongside more than 2,000 school children from across the City, as well as live animals and large colorful puppets representing the Three Kings. El Museo del Barrio, the City’s only museum dedicated to Puerto Rican, Caribbean and Latin American art, sponsored the parade.

The Grand Marshals of the parade were Susana Toruella Leval, former Director of El Museo del Barrio, Lorraine Cortes-Vasquez, President of the Hispanic Federation, Kenneth Knuckles, President and CEO of the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corp., and Rev. Fr. Francis Skelly, Pastor of the Cecilia Church in East Harlem. Also joining the Mayor at the parade were Julian Zugazagoita, Director of El Museo del Barrio and other elected officials.

Music for this evening’s reception at Gracie Mansion will be provided by El Trio New York.